Bobby Singh Rayatt talks to Andrew Staton at the Doncaster Martial Arts Show.
He is a martial artist whose journey has been defined by dedication,
adaptability and an enduring passion for the fighting arts. With more
than four decades of martial arts experience behind him, Rayatt
represents a generation of practitioners who have seen martial arts
evolve from relatively specialist disciplines into a worldwide
phenomenon.
His progression through the ranks reflects a long-term commitment rather
than a pursuit of quick recognition. In 2014, after more than 27 years
of martial arts experience and having previously held a first-degree
black belt for more than a decade, Rayatt was awarded his 3rd Dan in
kickboxing by Sensei Simon Hengle, 8th Dan of Tora Martial Arts &
Kickboxing and Superfoot Systems UK.
One of the most significant milestones came in 2018, when legendary
American kickboxer Bill “Superfoot” Wallace awarded Rayatt his 4th Dan
black belt. Rayatt had attended several of Wallace's seminars and,
already holding the rank of 3rd Dan, was tested and recognised by
Wallace. For Rayatt, the honour carried particular significance because
Wallace had been one of his inspirations in developing his flexibility
and kicking ability during his formative years.
Rayatt's contribution to British martial arts has also been recognised
through a series of awards. He was inducted into the UK Martial Arts
Hall of Fame at the UK Martial Arts Show in 2016, with the award
presented by Bill Wallace and Bob Sykes. The following year, he received
a Black Belt Hall of Fame Award at the UK Martial Arts Show and Martial
Arts Illustrated. Earlier, in 2014, he had received a Martial Arts
Illustrated Hall of Fame Award as a Top Martial Arts Exponent, presented
by Bob Sykes.
His involvement with the wider martial arts community goes beyond his
own training. Rayatt has developed strong friendships and connections
throughout the British martial arts scene. Sifu George Fitzgerald has
publicly described him as a friend and fellow martial artist.
Away from the martial arts, Rayatt has also developed a career in
holistic massage therapy, including Indian Head Massage, holistic body
massage and deep-tissue massage. This provides an interesting extension
of his longstanding understanding of the human body, movement and
physical conditioning.
What ultimately distinguishes Bobby Singh Rayatt is longevity. More than
four decades after beginning his martial arts journey, he remains
involved with the community and continues to represent the traditional
values of perseverance, technical development and lifelong learning. His
story is one of a practitioner who has continued to train, develop and
contribute long after the initial excitement of earning a black belt has
passed.
Interview filmed by Dean Meadows of Pentagram Pictures
With thanks to Bob Sykes, Paul Barnett and the UK Martial Arts Show.
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